JICA strengthens real-time rainfall monitoring

In an effort to support the Government’s effort to strengthen capability for real-time rainfall monitoring, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) yesterday signed a grant agreement to provide Sri Lanka with a Doppler weather radar network. 

The Project for the Establishment of a Doppler Weather Radar Network was signed between JICA and the Department of Meteorology (DOM), Ministry of Disaster Management, the organisation said in a statement. 

Following the signing of Exchange of Notes between the Ambassador of Japan Kenichi Suganuma and Finance Ministry Secretary Dr. R.H. Samaratunga, a grant agreement was signed between Dr. R.H. Samaratunga and JICA Chief Representative Fusato Tanaka. 

The agreement entails the procurement, the installation of the C-Band Pulse Compression Solid State Dual Polarization (Polarmetric) Meteorological Doppler Radar System and technical training through a grant worth approximately Japanese Yen 2.5 billion (Rs. 3.4 billion).

In Sri Lanka, floods, landslides which are caused by heavy rain and drought have been the most frequent disasters in recent years. Economic loss and human damage have been increasing because of global climate change, population growth and rapid urban development or settlement in disaster prone areas.

To cope with such a situation, appropriate weather forecasting and warnings based on real-time rainfall data is key. 

“Through this Grant Aid Project, DOM can improve their capacity to accumulate, analyse weather forecasting information such as rainfall, speed and direction of wind throughout the country as well as disseminating early warning based on that data. We believe it will help Sri Lanka to mitigate serious damage by weather-related disasters,” noted Fusato Tanaka.

In addition to the establishment of a Doppler Weather Radar network, JICA has been supporting the Disaster Risk Reduction area through financing to landslide mitigation on the national road network, technical cooperation to stakeholder agencies and a Master Plan on urban drainage in the metropolitan area. 

“We would like to contribute to the Government of Sri Lanka’s effort to realise a safer and more resilient Sri Lanka,” the statement added.